Destinations in Switzerland
Catholic Pilgrimage Destinations in Switzerland - Holy Sites, Shrines & Guided Tours
Switzerland holds a quiet yet meaningful place in Catholic history, offering pilgrims a peaceful journey of faith set amid breathtaking Alpine landscapes. Home to revered Marian shrines, historic abbeys, and centuries-old churches, the country welcomes visitors seeking spiritual reflection and renewal. From the Marian sanctuary of Einsiedeln Abbey to the historic cathedrals of Fribourg and the tranquil monasteries of St. Gallen and Disentis, our guided tours invite you to discover both well-known and lesser-known holy places, creating a serene and enriching pilgrimage experience.
Top Pilgrimage Destinations in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a serene Catholic journey, from the magnificent Abbey of Saint-Maurice to centuries-old chapels in the Alps. Pilgrims can explore historic monasteries, attend traditional ceremonies, and experience the country’s blend of spiritual heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
One of Switzerland’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites, the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln attracts thousands annually. Pilgrims venerate the Black Madonna and participate in processions, Masses, and spiritual retreats.
Located in the scenic canton of Nidwalden, this convent offers pilgrims opportunities for prayer, reflection, and participation in the sisters’ liturgical life. The site is renowned for its peaceful mountain setting.
Pilgrims visit the hermitage of Switzerland’s patron saint, Nicholas of Flüe, seeking spiritual guidance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of his life of prayer and simplicity.
The Valère Basilica is a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Visitors also explore the nearby historic castle, enjoying views of Sion and participating in religious events.
Though less known internationally, this sanctuary draws local pilgrims devoted to Marian prayer and contemplation, with beautiful views over Lake Geneva.
This historic convent near Zurich is dedicated to the Benedictine sisters and serves as a quiet pilgrimage site for prayer, retreats, and spiritual reflection.
Pilgrims visit this combination of natural wonder and spiritual heritage, with chapels dedicated to Saint Beatus, reflecting on faith in a striking alpine setting.
Switzerland also has lesser-known pilgrimage sites ideal for travelers seeking quiet reflection and authentic spiritual encounters:
Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows – Engelberg
Pilgrimage Church of St. Nicholas – Chur
Hermitage of St. Verena – Solothurn
Sanctuary of Mariastein – Basel-Landschaft
Pilgrimage Church of St. Michael – Aargau
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Map of Switzerland Pilgrimage Sites
Switzerland, beyond its majestic Alps and vibrant cities, is dotted with serene Catholic pilgrimage sites rarely visited by tourists. From remote Marian shrines to historic monasteries and quiet chapels nestled in the mountains or valleys, these sacred places offer pilgrims opportunities for deep reflection, prayer, and connection with centuries of spiritual tradition.
List of Our Destinations in Switzerland
High in the Swiss Alps, the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in Bourg-Saint-Pierre has welcomed pilgrims since the Middle Ages. Founded by Saint Bernard of Menthon, it remains a place of refuge, prayer, and breathtaking sacred beauty. Get a Tour Quotation
Einsiedeln Abbey, one of Switzerland’s most important pilgrimage sites, houses the revered Black Madonna statue. Pilgrims gather for healing and grace in the Benedictine monastery’s baroque basilica, immersed in centuries of Marian devotion.Ettiswil is home to a Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1447. Pilgrims visit the shrine where a consecrated Host bled, affirming the Real Presence of Christ and inviting deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Get a Tour Quotation
Ettiswil is home to a Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1447. Pilgrims visit the shrine where a consecrated Host bled, affirming the Real Presence of Christ and inviting deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Get a Tour Quotation
Fribourg’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and Catholic devotion. Pilgrims come to admire its stained glass, venerate relics, and walk through a city steeped in Swiss Catholic heritage and tradition. Get a Tour Quotation
In Lugano, pilgrims are drawn to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, home to one of Switzerland’s most important Renaissance frescoes. The city blends Italian charm with spiritual inspiration in an alpine lakeside setting. Get a Tour Quotation
Perched above a forested gorge, Mariastein Abbey is a beloved Marian pilgrimage site. Pilgrims climb to the shrine chapel housing a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, seeking healing, comfort, and divine intercession.Muri Abbey holds the tombs of Austria’s last emperor and empress, Blessed Karl and Zita. This serene Benedictine site invites pilgrims to reflect on faith, leadership, and the holy lives of Catholic royalty in exile. Get a Tour Quotation
Muri Abbey holds the tombs of Austria’s last emperor and empress, Blessed Karl and Zita. This serene Benedictine site invites pilgrims to reflect on faith, leadership, and the holy lives of Catholic royalty in exile. Get a Tour Quotation
Above Lake Maggiore, the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary in Orselina is a peaceful retreat. Pilgrims ascend by foot or funicular to encounter the Blessed Mother in a site rich with miracles and breathtaking natural beauty. Get a Tour Quotation
In Sachseln, pilgrims venerate Switzerland’s national patron saint, Nicholas of Flüe. His tomb lies in a beautiful church near his hermitage, where he lived a life of prayer, fasting, and mystic union with God. Get a Tour Quotation
Saint Maurice Abbey honors the Theban Legion, Roman soldiers martyred for their Christian faith. Pilgrims visit this ancient monastery to draw courage from their witness and to walk amidst the oldest monastic tradition in the West. Get a Tour Quotation
At the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt’s Saint Mauritius Church welcomes pilgrims in search of prayer amid alpine grandeur. This parish dedicated to a Roman martyr reflects enduring faith among Switzerland’s majestic peaks. Get a Tour Quotation